The new agreement finally ends a holdout that began at the start of training camp and bled into Week 1 of the regular season, when Jones did not suit up for Kansas City’s 21-20 loss against the Detroit Lions.
Jones accrued daily fines of $50,000 for each day missed in camp and lost a game check. Heading into the season, he was set to make a base salary of $19.5 million. Just how substantial of a raise Jones has received has yet to be reported.
Whatever the price, Jones has definitely proven his worth. The four-time Pro Bowler has established himself as one of the top players at his position and a difference-maker in the locker room and on the field. He’s won two Super Bowls with Kansas City and is coming off a first-team All-Pro season during which he tied his career high with 15.5 sacks.
Jones had hinted at sitting out through Week 8 if necessary amid his contract talks. Instead, the star defender is returning to boost the Chiefs’ championship defense far earlier.
It remains to be seen how quickly Jones is able to ramp up and what kind of snap count he might see in the upcoming Week 2 game against the Jaguars, but fans can rest easy knowing he’ll be down on the field making an impact soon rather than watching from home or a suite, as he did while his Chiefs fell to 0-1 to start the year.